Do you use emojis in your daily digital conversations? Which emoji is your favourite? And which emoji is your least favourite?
We live in a world where emojis play a huge role in our daily digital conversations.
These small, expressive symbols have changed the way we convey emotions and messages online.
For everyone who loves emojis, here are five fun facts you might find interesting;
1. Emojis originated in Japan
Emojis originated in Japan in the late 1990s. The term “emoji” comes from the Japanese words “e” (picture) and “moji” (character). Initially, emojis were simple pictographs used to enhance the meaning of text messages, and over time, they evolved into a diverse set of symbols representing various emotions, objects, and activities.
It is no surprise that in 2023, Japan dominated the top five list of countries with the highest volume of emoji mentions with close to 526m mentions just in the first half of the year according to Brandwatch.
2. Emojis have their place in the Oxford Dictionary
Emojis have gained such prominence that in 2015, the Oxford Dictionaries named the “face with tears of joy” emoji 😂 as the word of the year. This recognition highlighted the significant impact emojis have had on communication, emphasising their cultural and social relevance.
3. Use of emojis affects mental health
Research has shown that emojis can have a positive impact on mental health. Using emojis to express emotions in text messages or social media posts can enhance emotional expression, making it easier for people to communicate their feelings, especially in sensitive or difficult situations.
4. 😭 is the internet’s favourite emoji
A survey by Brandwatch showed that the “loudly crying emoji” is the most favourite emoji so far in 2023. This comes as no surprise as on the internet, this emoji is used for lots of expressions including to indicate joy, surprise and even laughter.
In addition to this the “thumbs up” 👍 emoji is seen as one that makes users look old and is the least favourite especially among Gen Z users.
5. July 17 is World Emoji Day
July 17 is the day that has been designated as World Emoji Day. This day is dedicated to celebrating the universal language of emojis and their ability to convey emotions, ideas, and messages across different cultures and languages.
Which of these facts do you find most interesting?
